How do I change my oil?

1246

Comments

  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2009
    A leak from the rear seal.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    Ok, then where is the trans located?

    On the side, I'm looking at the manual right now.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    On the side, I'm looking at the manual right now.

    Ok... That pic looks like a weird oil pan. I'd post that over at the Nissan forum and see what they say.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    Ok... That pic looks like a weird oil pan. I'd post that over at the Nissan forum and see what they say.

    Yeah, it's a 2000 Nissan Maxima.

    How bad is this if it is the rear seal?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    Yeah, it's a 2000 Nissan Maxima.

    Regardless, how bad is this?

    Doesn't look that bad, I'd suspect a seal leaking over the pan gasket... If you aren't losing that much oil from it, I wouldn't worry about replacing it, because it will cost you BIG bucks.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • John30_30
    John30_30 Posts: 1,024
    edited January 2009
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    You know for sure? Not trying to bust your balls, but that looks like an aluminum housing, not that many oil pans that I know of look or come like that. Looks to be a diff housing with a drain bolt right there on the bottom. However, I dont know crap about the layout of your car either.

    Like Face said, the color can be deceiving and the tranny fluid can be brownish in color, but if it was properly flushed or changed it should have some red tint to it. Check to see what color it is on the dipstick.

    You're right. That looks like a tranny. Tranny dipstick is in the back by the firewall, oil dipstick is in the front. Tranny fluid comes out on the stick pink, that's good. Oil comes out dark and opaque, it's time for a change.

    Tranny is on the right side of the engine housing looking at it with the hood up, motor is on the left, and they're joined in the middle.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    Doesn't look that bad, I'd suspect a seal leaking over the pan gasket... If you aren't losing that much oil from it, I wouldn't worry about replacing it, because it will cost you BIG bucks.

    Will it get progressively worse? Brett said that his sister's 2 cars both did this - I'm starting to think that this is a common problem?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    Will it get progressively worse? Brett said that his sister's 2 cars both did this - I'm starting to think that this is a common problem?

    It could, really depends... There might be a TSB or recall, I doubt it. It could slowly leak like that for years...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    John30_30 wrote: »
    You're right. That looks like a tranny. Tranny dipstick is in the back by the firewall, oil dipstick is in the front. Tranny fluid comes out on the stick pink, that's good. Oil comes out dark and opaque, it's time for a change.

    Tranny is on the right side of the engine housing looking at it with the hood up, motor is on the left, and they're joined in the middle.

    I'm confused.

    Now I'm not sure what I am looking at. The oil that comes out is dark, also the sticker shows that it was changed 2500 miles ago.

    If it were tranny fluid, wouldn't it be pink like the way it is on the dipstick?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited January 2009
    Transaxle.....man...transaxle;)

    Also, I found it cheaper to let Wal-Mart do a full-synthetic oil change than to let Jiffy do a conventional.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    I'm confused.

    Now I'm not sure what I am looking at. The oil that comes out is dark, also the sticker shows that it was changed 2500 miles ago.

    If it were tranny fluid, wouldn't it be pink like the way it is on the dipstick?

    It's probably oil leaking from a seal above and dripping on the trans case. Remember they are connected to each other.;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    So if I just add the 1/8 quart between changes, I should be okay? As long as the dipstick reads "FULL" there should be no problem?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited January 2009
    That's fine and perfectly acceptable.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    That's fine and perfectly acceptable.

    Thanks, I hope this "quick fix" lasts for a while.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    I'm confused.

    Now I'm not sure what I am looking at. The oil that comes out is dark, also the sticker shows that it was changed 2500 miles ago.

    If it were tranny fluid, wouldn't it be pink like the way it is on the dipstick?

    LOL, this is why you don't come to a audio board for advise on changing your oil.
    I love reading these threads about cars here i always laugh ALOT. ;)
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    So what am I looking at, oil pan or transmission case?

    I thought it was the oil pan...
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    So what am I looking at, oil pan or transmission case?

    I thought it was the oil pan...

    I can't tell ya what your looking at because the picture is too close to everything honestly. Not saying you can get farther away i understand it will only go so high when working on the ground.
    I do know thats oil on it not tranny fluid.
    Look at your service manual and go from there man.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2009
    Do yourself a favor and bring it somewhere.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    Okay, I'd hate to drain the wrong thing so I will wait and do this (hopefully) tomorrow.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Do yourself a favor and bring it somewhere.

    Mike,

    You know that I do everything myself. Alarm system, remodeling work, HT, patio, basement, etc.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Do yourself a favor and bring it somewhere.

    Just because it's easy doesn't mean you HAVE to bring it to a shop.
    The manual will tell him exactly where the plug is. it's prob listed as a part i'm sure.
    If not a quick search online could do the same thing.
    Why is everyone here so lazy?
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,151
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    So what am I looking at, oil pan or transmission case?

    I thought it was the oil pan...
    I cannot, for the life of me, believe you are getting so many bullsh!t answers, my friend. Take it from me: I've been working on Nissan Altima's for twenty years now, and I could do that oil change with my eyes shut. That, in your photograph, is nothing other than a warp drive neutron flux inverter. Don't touch it, ever, or you will be instantly vaporized. For the leak: it helps to add an external amplifier of at least 200w/ch to the battery terminals. Emotiva is a good brand to choose for this.

    Sorry for the derail!
    Alea jacta est!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    The manual states the drain plug is right next to what I am looking at, hence, leading me to believe that it's the oil pan.

    Besides, when you guys were teenagers you did this stuff yourself, no?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    The manual states the drain plug is right next to what I am looking at, hence, leading me to believe that it's the oil pan.

    Besides, when you guys were teenagers you did this stuff yourself, no?

    If the manual says so then it's a good bet thats it.
    Yes and at 27 still do. I don't trust shops lol.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2009
    TouchOfEvil wrote: »
    Just because it's easy doesn't mean you HAVE to bring it to a shop.
    The manual will tell him exactly where the plug is. it's prob listed as a part i'm sure.
    If not a quick search online could do the same thing.
    Why is everyone here so lazy?
    It's not a matter of laziness. I stated that due to the amount of general automotive questions he's asking about a oil change. Also, it also appears that this week should be the coldest week of the year.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2009
    Face wrote: »
    It's not a matter of laziness. I stated that due to the amount of general automotive questions he's asking about a oil change. Also, it also appears that this week should be the coldest week of the year.

    Cold sucks.....stall till warm lol. I actually changed mine last night lucky here winter is like summer half the time haha.
    He is asking alot of questions but how do you learn unless you ask?
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    Yes, but how do you learn?

    Someone posted that a kid put water in his Mustang to "flush" the oil, haha :)
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • John30_30
    John30_30 Posts: 1,024
    edited January 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    I'm confused.

    Now I'm not sure what I am looking at. The oil that comes out is dark, also the sticker shows that it was changed 2500 miles ago.

    If it were tranny fluid, wouldn't it be pink like the way it is on the dipstick?

    You want the same dark stuff coming out of the drain plug like the oil. You'll know as soon as you loosen the plug. A couple ounces won't kill your tranny if it's the wrong one.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited January 2009
    Thanks, will find out tomorrow or in the next few days. That's if it doesn't snow again :(
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pauly
    Pauly Posts: 4,519
    edited January 2009
    I didnt want to chime in, but how an Oil Change thread goes longer than 90% of the audio threads beats me. :rolleyes:

    Onward and Upwards

    Pauly
    Life without music would♭
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter